Family

Popular McLaren Vale winery home to one of the region’s oldest surviving Shiraz vineyard

The Vine Shed venue and cellar door in McLaren Vale is not only a popular spot for families, but also home to one of McLaren Vale’s oldest surviving Shiraz vineyard.

If you haven’t discovered The Vine Shed, a family-owned venue and cellar door in McLaren Vale, you’re in for a treat. This winery is not only a popular spot for families, but also home to one of McLaren Vale’s oldest surviving Shiraz vineyard – a legacy spanning over 130 years.

The Vine Shed opened its doors in 2020, just as the pandemic began to impact businesses across South Australia and the world. Despite the tough timing, they managed to thrive. With their spacious venue, they were able to maintain social distancing without too much disruption. Being a fresh face in the McLaren Vale region, the local community was keen to support them, which helped them get through those difficult early months.

The business is entirely family-owned and run. Dianna Conte, the General Manager, wears many hats – handling everything from sales, marketing, and bookings, to organising weddings and managing the cellar door. Her brother, Dan, is the talented winemaker, and their mother Maria is the hardworking “backbone” of the business, stepping in wherever she is needed. The family’s close-knit bond is at the heart of everything they do.

The Vine Shed offers a unique and intimate wine experience, specialising in wines made from grapes grown on their own vineyards. A star bottle of wine is their Old Vine Shiraz, made from what the family believes to be one of the oldest surviving Shiraz vines in McLaren Vale, over 130 years old. While the exact date is hard to determine, it is undoubtedly one of the region’s oldest vineyards. Along with this signature wine, they offer a selection of other wines for guests to enjoy at their cellar door.

What makes The Vine Shed truly special is that it’s family-friendly. With plenty of room to roam, kids are encouraged to enjoy themselves while parents relax. The venue features a play area on the grass, along with a cubby house, games, and multiple outdoor zones for kids to enjoy. You can choose to sit in the alfresco area, on the outdoor deck, or in the loft – there’s plenty of seating space.

“When it comes to our business, we are really passionate and we’re very welcoming. We are always wanting to do our best when it comes to our service,” Dianna Conte says. “We welcome everyone as if they are part of our family. They’re not just a number, they’re actually part of our family when they come to visit us.”

At The Vine Shed’s cellar door, you’ll find a menu full of Italian-inspired dishes. From wood-fired pizzas, both traditional Italian-style and Australian favourites like ham and pineapple, to fresh pasta, antipasto platters, and ploughman’s lunches, there’s something to please everyone. They also have a special kids’ menu with favourites like hot dogs and chicken nuggets to keep little ones happy.

The Vine Shed is also great for larger groups, with the ability to accommodate up to 50 people, making it a great choice for birthdays, family gatherings, or any special event. With their spacious layout and different seating areas, it’s easy to find the perfect spot for your celebration.

The venue’s atmosphere is often described as “high-end rustic”. With recycled brick, galvanized steel, and chunky wood, the venue combines modern style with a warm vibe. Guests are often surprised by the beauty of the space when they arrive; particularly the outdoor deck, which overlooks the lush grounds and is a favourite spot for bookings.

If you’re looking for some extra entertainment on the weekend, The Vine Shed has got that too. The venue hosts live music every Sunday from 12:30pm to 3:30pm. They’re passionate about supporting local musicians and offer free live performances for their guests. “Visitors who come on a Sunday are treated to free music pretty much,” Dianna says.

Next time you’re in McLaren Vale, don’t skip out on a visit to The Vine Shed – a family-friendly winery home to one of the region’s oldest surviving Shiraz vineyard. With amazing wines, delicious food, and plenty of space to relax with loved ones, The Vine Shed invites all guests to feel like part of their family.

What: The Vine Shed venue and cellar door
Where: 270 Sand Rd, McLaren Vale SA 5171
When: Open 11am to 5pm Friday to Sunday (kitchen 12pm to 3pm)
Facebook: Vine Shed Venue and Cellar Door
Instagram: @vineshedvenuemclarenvale
For more info, click here.

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